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Thursday, November 06, 2014

Middle-Grade Review: Ghostopolis

I’ve mentioned here before that I haven’t read a lot of
graphic novels, though I’m gradually becoming more of an aficionado. I
previously read and reviewed Cardboard
and Tommysaurus by Doug TenNapel
(and enjoyed them), so I’ve been eager to read another of his graphic novels, Ghostopolis,
and thought that Halloween was the perfect time for it! When I saw it in the
window of our local used bookstore, it felt like fate. Ghostopolis shows the same creative story telling that was
evident in TenNapel’s other books, and I enjoyed this graphic novel perfect for
the season.

Garth is a young boy with a great imagination who lives with
his mom, but he has an incurable and fatal disease. His mother would do
anything to save him, but they seem to be out of options. Meanwhile, in another
part of town, Frank Gallows works for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force,
finding ghosts, nightmares, and other supernatural beings and sending them back
to the afterlife where they belong. He is experienced but seems burned out and
is barely holding onto his job.

Frank makes a mistake and sends Garth to the afterlife, when
a nightmare shows up in Garth’s house. The nightmare, a skeleton horse, helps
Garth explore the afterlife and try to find a safe place. Along the way, they
meet a young boy named Cecil…who is Garth’s grandfather. As Garth, Cecil, and
the skeleton horse make their way through the different areas of the afterlife,
back in the real world, Frank’s boss is putting a team together for a search
and rescue mission.

In the afterlife, Garth discovers he has special powers, but
the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, Master Vaugner, wants Garth and his powers to
strengthen his own supremacy. Garth and Cecil try to get away from Master
Vaugner and find a way to get Garth home, but it seems hopeless until Frank
shows up to help them and fix his mistake.

Ghostopolis is a
very creative story, filled with all sorts of creatures and interesting places
in the afterlife and two strong main characters in Garth and Frank. It’s a
classic good versus evil battle but set in a mysterious place, with a spooky
(but not scary) atmosphere. The full-color, detailed pictures enhance and add
to the unique storyline. All fans of fantasy – andespecially middle-grade boys – will enjoy this fast-paced
supernatural adventure.

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About Me

I'm a freelance writer who loves to read and cook. My husband and I have two sons, and we all enjoy travel and being outdoors. My older son and I both have chronic illnesses, but we focus on finding joy in every day!